Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1887-02-25

| NONAo NAO W Oal II
All of a sudden he saw people push
ing each other. In the middle of the
street young man was selling newspa-
pers. The crowd fought among them
selves in their eagerncss to buy the Petit
Journal.
At this viewPolyte made up his mind.
He also would sell papers. He bought
copy of the Journal, read the direction
of its publishers, ran to the Office and
asked clerk to confde a number of pa
peTs to him.
| As he had no money the man refused
to entertain his demand. Then he burst
out sobbing. His sorrow appeared so
touching and tru1 that the clerk signaled
him to one of the editors. In moment
Polyte, who had related his story to the
gentleman, received a gratuitous and
large supply of newspapers, together
with handsome uniform cap, while the
good editor despatched a messenger to
Poyte's house, bearer of succor for the
wife of the missing sergeant.
From that time and for several weary
weeks mother and child subsisted on the
profits m de BY the inde'atigable boy.
Polyte increased his commercial opera
tions by taking partner in the shape of
poodle dog that he found in the street
and to which he taught tricks. Among
them the foremost was known as "The
Ducks Hunt executed by Jean de Nj
velle's Dog" Polyte threw up large
ring on which newspapers were hung,
and cup was put on the gronnd. The
dog seized the ring in the fight. The
/ fbo
more the dog ran away from him; the
animal described quick circles, present
ing the newspapers to the passers by with
such comical expression that quickly
the ring was deprived of its burden and
the little cup filled to the brim with cop
per and silver pieces.
Energy wore out adversely in Polyte's
case. Theresa regained her health and
resumed her work of milliner. Mean
while other sorrows were in store for the
courageous child.
One evening after serving his Gus
toners Polyte found Robert visiting his
mother.
He returned often, friend Robert, he
returned too often. Once he invited
himself without much ado to dinner, un-
der the pretext that he had brought
roasted chicken.
And asking to be excused for his lack
ceremony on the plea that he was alone
in the world, the stonecutter arrived lit
tie by little to share the evening meal of
the Sigaults, thing which displeased
Monsieur Polyte great deal. Every day
it seemed to the jealous child that this
new conner was taking part of his
mothers love from him.
1t was the morning of New Years
day. Polyte had economized cent by
cent in order to prepare surprise to his
mother in the shape of a modest cos
tune that he spread on her arm chair,
and he said to her:
Mamma, after breakfast will you
dress yourself, and we will go out to-
gether to show your new dress to the
neighbors2"
This request caused Theresa to blush.
She had already promised Robert to
have a walk with him-he was to call on
her at 10 o'clock-and lit is proper"
she added, ''that remind you to be
more polite with Mr.. Robert; you are too
rude with him."
Polyte did not answer, the tears filled
! his big blue eyes; he retired to the next
room. Opening drawer lie took out a
photograph of his father, that he COW
cred with kisses and deposited it on the
dress, his present to his mother.
Through a ray of precious intelligence
the boy had comprehendcd that shortly
the rigid sentinel, as his father called
| him, would be unable to watch over the
place alone.
The dog turned around his master,
looking at him very attentively, as if it
wanted him to understand the cause of
his sorrow.
Suddenly the animal Strengthened its
ears and began to growl. Somebody had
entered the room next TO Polyte's. The
child heard heavy step, voice (Rob-
ert's) speaking loudly, then whisper,
followed by cry half smothered, and
the noise of slight struggle. The dog
made jump and opened widely the
door that was not locked. Polyte saw
this hated Robert standing near his
mother, who hid her face and protested
with great vehemence. The intruder
had buried the old year too gayly; in his
half drunkenness he had thought him
self entitled to k IS from Mrs. Sigault
as New Years present.
Polyte was on the eve of speaking,
when his dog, sociable only with him
and his mother, rushed on the man and
bit him cruelty.
1t needed all the strength of Polyte,
who shook with anger, to make the
faithful animal let go his hold on Rob-
ert's leg. The boy and the man, brought
face to face by the accident, glared at
each other. Robert detected in the eyes
of the child his firm will to retain his
mothers heart. He was not bad man,
that Robert, only little vain and brag-
CART, true Partisan. Noticing the
mistake done by him, he redeemed,
stammered and saluting low, he de-
parted.
The next day as Theresa awoke after
a bad nights sleep, Polyte entered her
room like bombshell, having in his
hand letter just given to him by the
janitor of the house. He threw it on his
mothers bed unable to articulate another
word but Papa! Papa!
And this blessed letter, that the child
had not hestated to recognize as hav-
ing been written By his father, read as
follows:
DEAR WIFE: am in the military hospital
at Spandau in Germany. l have undergone
a frightful operation on the head. l am in
formed by the medical authorities of the
hospital that have remained senseless over
one year: they call my case with q Greek or
Latin name.
have suffered very much, but now the
physicians tell ME that will be we'll again
in few weeks
Good bye, dearest | hone that the rigid
sentry has performed his duty to your ut
most satisfaction. l kiss both OF you q
million times. Your husband and father,
JOHN SIGAULT.